Aspartame

Side-by-Side Comparisons of Artificial Sweeteners
healthy living

Artificial Sweeteners Explained

There are so many artificial sweeteners out there that it's hard to keep them straight.
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There are so many artificial sweeteners out there that it's hard to keep them straight. And with all the information swirling around about the safety of each one, it can be hard to know which to choose. Are you a fan of sugar substitutes? Here's a list of the artificial sweeteners and the big pros and cons of each.

Type of Artificial Sweetener General Info Pros Cons
Sucralose (Splenda)
  • Contains maltodextrin to bulk it up.
  • It's 600 times sweeter than regular sugar.
  • It was approved by the FDA in 1999.
  • It has zero calories.
  • You can bake with it.
  • After 110 studies, the FDA concluded that sucralose has no toxic or carcinogenic effects and poses no reproductive or neurological risks to people.
  • The bulking agents add about 12 calories per tablespoon of Splenda (although the nutritional info doesn't list these calories).
  • It adds an artificial taste when you bake with it.

Want to see the rest of the list? Read on after the break.

Diet Coke Is Not a Healthy Choice
healthy living

How Bad Is That Diet Coke?

Confession: I have a handful of dirty little secrets when it comes to my health and fitness.
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Confession: I have a handful of dirty little secrets when it comes to my health and fitness. One of them is that I harbor a serious Diet Coke addiction. I've been known to have a regular two cans on a weekday, partially for the caffeine jolt, and partially because I like the taste (I know, I know).

Recent studies have shown that even diet versions of popular sodas aren't good for you, and can lead to obesity. I've even heard them described as "chemical water with a little caffeine." I recently noticed that after drinking more than one Diet Coke during the day, I've started getting dull headaches. After one too many DC-induced headaches, I switched my second soda of the day to a caffeine-free Diet 7-Up hoping that would stop the problem, but it did just the opposite — the headaches got worse. To see what I think is causing them and what other problems my Diet Coke habit may be causing, read more

Is Diet Healthier Than Regular Soda?
You Asked

Is Diet Healthier Than Regular Soda?

With so many people watching their calorie intake, they're always looking for ways to cut back without having to sacrifice much.
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With so many people watching their calorie intake, they're always looking for ways to cut back without having to sacrifice much. That's why diet soda has become so popular. A regular 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola contains 143 calories, but a can of Diet Coke or Coca-Cola Zero contains only one.

Calorie-wise, yes, the diet version seems healthier, but if you take a look at the ingredients, there's a big difference. Diet Coke and Coke Zero contain aspartame, also called NutraSweet or Equal, while Coke is made with sugar. Aspartame is 180 to 200 times sweeter than regular sugar, and is the artificial sweetener of choice when it comes to most diet sodas. While the FDA approved its use in foods and beverages, some side effects include headaches, dizziness, mood changes, or skin reactions after consuming it. Aside from that negative, even though it's low in calories, diet soda may also lead to weight gain. To find out how keep reading